Where was that cool wire-stripping gizmo when this writer was attempting to get the lights working in a livestock trailer last fall. Using a pocketknife to strip insulation off tiny wires to get enough bare wire for a better contact is neither safe nor efficient.
Such not-new-but-neat products were found at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky., this year.
And who has ever tried to change tires on a self-propelled sprayer without proper equipment for handling those huge, awkward tires and rims? Some of the products illustrated here could simplify that job and make it safer at the same time.
No one likes to talk or think about death, even if it’s a dead animal. But if you have livestock, disposing of dead animals is a fact of life, even if you are the best animal caretaker ever. One product uncovered at the show could make that task more efficient.
Take a look at all of the products included here. Perhaps one or more might make a neat addition to your farm operation.
HANDLING BIG WHEELS: Do you struggle changing big tires, like those on your self-propelled sprayer? The folks at Bierman Inc., Marcus, Iowa, offer multiple solutions. Also useful for changing truck and tractor tires, the blue wheel dolly or yellow dolly may be what you need. The blue dolly has a capacity of 4,800 pounds, with roller width controlled by a hand-held device. The yellow hydraulic dolly can handle up to 3,800 pounds and achieves lifting action using a two-stage hydraulic pump.
ONE TALL JACK: Want to see a jackstand on steroids? The high-clearance sprayer jack from Bierman fits the bill. Sitting on a sturdy, 24-by-24-inch base, it features an adjustable lifting height of 45 to 80 inches, reachable in 2-inch increments. Lifting capacity is 20,000 pounds. Your own hydraulic jack or air over hydraulic jack placed in the base allows this safe-operating jack to function. The result is an easier way to jack up the high-clearance sprayer to change tires.
EFFICIENT CARCASS DISPOSAL: Lewis Livestock Incinerators, Cedar, Iowa, come in six sizes for smaller livestock with two additional models for large animals. Larry Lewis, owner, said each one is independently built and supervised by him personally. Weights on the small-animal models range from 4,000 to 5,600 pounds, featuring steel construction, fire-brick lining and double welding to prevent leaks.
